Eyes to the Sky: March 23- 27

Astronomy enthusiasts, the curious, gather at NEAF

Human curiosity about everything astronomical is in full bloom each spring at the Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF), a phenomenal astronomy, space and telescope event that takes place this year on April 18th and 19th at Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY, 35 miles north of Manhattan. Billed as the largest astronomy forum and telescope expo in the world, this is NEAF’s 24th year.

Internationally renowned speakers, a huge trade show and a Solar Star Party are main attractions. How-to sessions, activities for children, and updates on dark sky conservation add to the vitality of the event. Informal conversations with over 100 knowledgeable exhibitors are an integral part of the gathering.

A view of last years trade show

With the recent solar eclipse in mind, one of the extraordinary opportunities at NEAF is safe solar viewing. Professionals and volunteers with considerable expertise share a diversity of telescopes with a variety of filters as well as other instruments that allow viewers a close-up look at our awe-inspiring sun. Admission to the solar viewing field is free of charge. Go to: http://www.neafsolar.com/ for more information.

Saturday speakers include leaders from NASA, Kitt Peak National Observatory and Sky & Telescope; on Sunday, the chief scientist for the Dawn Mission and astronomer-author Alan Hirshfeld, among others. Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Peruse the full program and ticket information at http://rocklandastronomy.com/neaf.html